check engine lt. on speedometer not working and o/d light flashes

I have a 97 crown vic that has been having problems lately any help would greatly be appreciated. First of all for awhile now it takes at least two turns to get it started and lately the speedometer stops working and at the same time the o/d light flashes this happens off and on and doesnt seem to be related to any type of day or driving habit a few times the steering wheel has gotten harder to turn but most of the time that doesnt happen. I would appreciate any thoughts on how serious the problem is and how costly it could be Thanks alot
Also if u know a great mechanic in the lubbock texas area let me know thanks

Take it to some place like Auto Zone and have the codes read. Then post what the codes are.

Someone else is also describing some of the same symptoms as you.
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=608318

Your starting problem and speedo/od light flashing, hard steering are more then likely two different issues. If you don't have an obdll scan tool, then take the car to autozone and they will scan the car for you for free. Write down the codes that they give you and post them here. if any of the codes point to your speed sensor have it replaced. There was just someone that posted here that basically had the same problem as you are.

If your car has cruse control, does it work before and during the time that the speedo stops working? If it only works while the speedo is working replace the
speed sensor.




I have a 97 crown vic that has been having problems lately any help would greatly be appreciated. First of all for awhile now it takes at least two turns to get it started and lately the speedometer stops working and at the same time the o/d light flashes this happens off and on and doesnt seem to be related to any type of day or driving habit a few times the steering wheel has gotten harder to turn but most of the time that doesnt happen. I would appreciate any thoughts on how serious the problem is and how costly it could be Thanks alot
Also if u know a great mechanic in the lubbock texas area let me know thanks

LOL seems that I'm not the only one that don't sleep.

Take it to some place like Auto Zone and have the codes read. Then post what the codes are.

Someone else is also describing some of the same symptoms as you.
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=608318

my freind i just read u r problem tht reminded me of my problem i faced few days ago which is now been solved with the help of few great guys on this forum and my idiot mechanic .
taking ur problem as mine i change the vss ,mine steering wsa getting jammed too but when my mechanic disconneccted a plug on steering pump telling me tht most of the taxis dont use this plug ,i concluded tht this plug is somewhat related to it ,i agian repeat i took advice from these great guys and then i changed the vehicle speed sensor may cost u abot 30 bucks plus intallion or u can it urself its easy , i did it ,thanks alot